The World Tour Finals brings its own unique challenges, not least the round-robin format in which each victory, while crucial, still requires ratification by other results. Pride comes before pitfalls and even a defeat still holds out the possibility of redemption.

More than any other tournament, the World Tour Finals rewards the ability to pick oneself up and carry on. Today I decide to watch how the pros handle it when things don't go their way.

The first thing I see when I come to the O2 is Lukas Dlouhy, sweating and pale, mumbling volubly at the camera after his flubbed volley into the net costs him and his partner Leander Paes the first set against Wimbledon champions Jurgen Melzer and Philipp Petzchner. Dlouhy is clearly a fan of the inaudible monologue; Paes, on the other hand, stays theatrically frozen after his errors, pantomiming his disbelief.

On the other side of the net, their opponents err on the side of seriousness. Jurgen Melzer yells, swipes angrily at the air, hefts his racquet as if to throw it down. Philipp Petzchner hangs his head, trailing meekly around after Melzer, waiting for the fist-bump that absolves his latest error. They’re so open and earnest in their desire to win that when Petzchner lands the winning volley and it’s Melzer’s turn to walk to him for a hug, it’s impossible not to feel pleased for them.

If there is one thing—apart from a first serve—that Andy Murray is lacking today, in his critical battle with Roger Federer, it’s visible passion. His performance is woeful from the beginning, and I’m waiting for the convulsive clutching at his face, the angry berating of himself and his camp, the furious snatched punch at his racquet strings—everything that fuels the meme of the player who’s too negative to win. It doesn’t come. He just sighs after each unforced error, shoulders rising and settling in a weary exhale, and then gets on with it, his racquets all in one piece even if his game is in tatters.

As things go from bad to worse, he’s perfectly calm and I want to scream. I want him to yell, I want the smashed racquet; I want blood, sweat and tears—or at least two out of the three. Anything to get the blood flowing, get the feet moving—even getting the ball over the net would be a start. His calm persists even after a 6-4, 6-2 defeat. In his press conference, he’s matter-of-fact and dignified; challenged on his degree of intensity, he turns the question back on the press: "If I went out there and I smashed the racquet or started shouting, I’d come in and everyone would say to me, you were in a bad mood today, mentally you weren’t strong enough. . .I just tried to stay calm, tried to find a way, and it didn’t happen today."

In other words, sometimes it simply isn’t your day. Can it really be as straightforward as that? Federer seems to think so. He goes out of his way to remind the press of the contrast between this match and the last they played against each other in Shanghai, admitting his surprise at the ease of his win. "Tennis is not rocket science," he reminds the room. Anyone can have a bad day, he says with the vague complacency of those good enough to make their own luck.

How quickly things change in tennis. Murray was all but in the knockout stages after Sunday’s masterful performance against Soderling. Now we’re throwing around words like thrashed, crushed, dominated, and muttering mathematical permutations darkly to each other.

Soderling was down and out, fatigued and overhyped after his win in Paris; now he’s in with an excellent chance of repeating last year’s semi-final feat. The Swede, incongruously cartoon-bright in his acid yellow shirt, faces David Ferrer, the perennially-patronized Spaniard in a match that’s far more of a contest than Murray v Federer. It seems we’re still asking each other who Robin Soderling is and what he can do. David Ferrer carries no such questions with him on to the court. The limits of his abilities are known, implicit in the vaguely surprised tone that introduces him as a former finalist at the year-end championships; and the lack of reaction when he’s hit off the court testifies to the same truism that his ultimate fate is less in his hands than that of his opponents.

The thing that draws the incoherent shout from Ferrer is the unforced error. The pounding power of Soderling, against which the Spaniard’s never-say-die attitude is no defense, does not frustrate. It motivates. At the worst moments, when Soderling batters his way to the net, leaving Ferrer stranded behind the baseline, the Spaniard simply raises his hands: What can I do? And at the best, when he finds the passing shot and guts out a marathon hold, the clenched fist says: Don’t feel sorry for me.

One can never tell from From Soderling’s body language that he’s playing beautifully. The Swede is wound as tightly as a clockwork soldier, and uncoils to swipe savagely at the ball. Ferrer has no answer for his pace and power, but the better Soderling plays, the angrier he seems; he stalks stiff-legged between points and addresses vituperative comments to his box.

When Ferrer’s indomitable defense momentarily puts the second set in doubt, Soderling gestures savagely as if to exclaim, You see!? I told you I couldn’t do it. And when Ferrer frays under the pressure of holding serve, handing Soderling a seemingly well-deserved victory, the Swede faces the crowd with the slightly guilty air of a child who’s been given something he hasn’t entirely earned.

Charged—slightly bafflingly—by Mark Petchey with defying the stereotype of the placid Scandinavian with his ‘Latin character’, he splutters, Really?! with the guilelessness of the dull. In his press conference, all dimples and diffident charm, he gives the lie to his dour reputation. Disarmingly modest, he defuses leading questions, casting himself in the familiar role of underdog against Federer’s pedigree. He’s already thinking about his next match, but I’m still occupied with the one that just finished.

I risk missing the last train to hang on for Ferrer’s press conference. If I was seeking illumination into his psyche, a better understanding of the process of picking oneself up after being outplayed, I’m sorely disappointed. He arrives texting on his Blackberry, answers questions in his soft voice, fingers curling contemplatively around his mouth. He did his best. Robin was better, he did his best, and he’ll do his utmost on Thursday, too.

"I fight everything. I fight, and with Andy too." He states it with the finality of an ultimate truth.

NP,
The shooting since the Pistons brought out rough and tough basketball has not been good from the field and the line. These players want to be on ESPN dunking the basketball while Nelson continues to torture the Heat.

NP,
As of today, I can see the rematch b/w Lakers and Celtics. Nelson ejects himself for being an idiot.

Posted by NP

11/24/2010 at 10:13 PM

And Nelson the dumbass is tossed out and doesn't even get to shoot his FTs. He's lucky his team was ahead by a comfortable margin.

Posted by NP

11/24/2010 at 10:19 PM

MA, you think that's due to zone defense or the players being talented kids (or a bit of both)? And the Kobies should get either the LA-Boston rematch or the 1st showdown vs. LeBron. It's a win-win situation for Kobe... if he wins, of course. And it should be a boondoggle to David Stern, despite the upcoming lockdown.

Posted by NP

11/24/2010 at 10:22 PM

Well, Dwight and Nelson are still dumbasses, but they won. Well done. And LeBron who? Mwahahahahahahahaha!

NP,
Will the players save their funds as instructed by Hunter as lockout is a strong possibility?

Posted by NP

11/24/2010 at 10:31 PM

MA, from what I've read I don't think it's even a possibility anymore. I'm sure Mitch Lawrence will have more to say about this. He's always stuck me as some1 with long-standing connections to NBA insiders.

TTY tomorrow. Later.

Posted by AB

11/25/2010 at 12:25 AM

Today's match bet. Nole and Rafa was shaping up to be the best so far until Lensgate.

I thought both started very well, Nole perhaps a tad better.

Remember, Rafa came out serving well, but got a bad call on his very 1st serve. He got 1st serves in when he needed to but still needs to improve. I don't think he's getting enough knee bend, looks like he's arming it.

I have to wear contact lenses to play volleyball, indoor and outdoor. Glasses give you a weird depth perception and no peripheral vision so that's a non-starter.

There's a reason you never see athletes wearing glasses. Even golfer don't wear glasses.

That said, it was just a bizarre Novak Karma moment today. You would think that with the majority of tennis played outdoors, the elements would be a factor for eye issues, but no, Novak manages to get, what? Carpet fluff or yellow fuzzies in his eye during an *indoor* tournament. The kid's got talent.

Toward the end of the match, as in the one against RAndy, Rafa started to get a bead on the serve, putting more pressure on Nole who wasn't able to get as many free points.

The running no-look low volley CC dropped inside of 5' was the shot of the match. No way was Rafa going to lose after playing that sweet shot.

Players are currently living up to their ranks/seeds. Everyone is healthy, no excuses. This tournament is getting more interesting by the day.

Annie, Or, jewell, Metro and gauloises, I hope you get to see your favorites playing well. Have fun!

Okay, off to make Fudge melt-aways. My secret ingredient; chocolate graham crackers. I also use Lindt chocolate 70% for the topping.

*gobble, gobble*

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 12:33 AM

Just getting back from my wonderful manicure

I would like to take this opportunity and to wish all our posters who celebrate Thanksgiving Day I hope you and your familes enjoy this very special day and holiday and keep safe.

Moving on AA I just turned on the tv Hmm surprise indeed better than I thought.

Posted by mmy

11/25/2010 at 12:48 AM

Did anyone else witness the stunt pulled by Nole today? The contacts issue? it gets old. I watched him go to his right eye every time he lost a point, but not once after winning a point as if to say the contact problem caused him to loose the match. Amazingly he even had the nerve to mention it in his post match interview.
I have never seen Fed or Nadal find an excuse for loosing even when they ar truly injured, credit is always due to the other player without excuses. When Novak is not up to 100% he either quits or look for the flimsiest of reasons to creat some distraction, drama and reason for not winning. This is something that is equally done by Andy Murray.
As beautiful as our sports may be, it is rather sad that those that are expected to carry the torch and exhibit good sportsmanship (Novak and Andy Murray and the like of such) often seem to look for flimsy reasons for not winning matches when the other player is obviously better than you on that day.

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 12:54 AM

AB That recipe sounds Yummy!

Posted by GB

11/25/2010 at 01:00 AM

I'm so annoyed about how Group B has turned out. Now I have to hope for Daveed to go winless, so that MAndy can make the semis:(

Posted by Tic

11/25/2010 at 01:04 AM

"There's a reason you never see athletes wearing glasses."

Actually, you do - Janko Tipsarevic comes to mind. Those goggles of his are prescription glasses and he wears them always. The outdoors version is tinted, the indoors one is clear.

I also remember several other athletes wearing prescription glasses - some European soccer players, also some American football, baseball and basketball players etc.

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 01:08 AM

GB Cheer up

Cant Murray still quailfy?

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 01:10 AM

Tic Indeed.Tipsey wears special fitted glasses

I played against a tennis player once who too have to have Special Fitted Glasses she could not take contact lenses at all.

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 01:12 AM

GB Did your computer have a problem getting online here today for the match?

Posted by GB

11/25/2010 at 01:14 AM

But he'll have to beat Ferru, who then won't have won any matches, AM.

It wasn't a problem with the TW site, my internet was down from last night for some reason.

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 01:16 AM

Has anyone a link to Novaks pressor at all?

I would like to hear his side of the story with the lens incident?

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 01:17 AM

GB Maybe your server in that area? I too had problems the other day with my server

Hmmm hard one I would like to see David win one match

His match with Robin was a tight affair

Posted by GB

11/25/2010 at 01:18 AM

The presser's won't come out until later tonight our time AM. There's a 24 hour delay.

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 01:21 AM

GB Thanks for that news.Honestly I hope he is ok.I just lost my temper with him cause Rafa was serving thats all.

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 01:23 AM

Also after his toilet break served a love game and then went off again?

Gosh - hopefully Djokovic is ok with the eye thing. (I could never, ever wear contact lenses, ever!) He seemed pretty cut up about it in his comments after, according to the BBC.

I always thought it was more the British press trying to supply excuses with Murray than Murray himself. In any case I can't think of any player who has not at least sometimes thought and said they were below par in any given match and supplied a reason for that.

I wondered if she might but still. I would hate for this injury to end Serena's career and I hate being without her on the Tour for such a long time, too.

Just the thought of putting things in my eyes makes me want to cry. I think I probably will need glasses soon though. Perhaps I will turn them into an anti-fashion statement with some old-fashioned NHS-style specs.

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 02:02 AM

Jewell I think this is serious.Serena has had 2 operations on her foot.I hope she gets enough rest and will be able to come back on the tour.Sad to see she wont be defending her title.I watched the ladies final live this year and Serena has a "presence" when she walks out on court.

I'll get someone to take one. :) I'm putting off taking the eye test at the moment which is probably silly really.

Posted by AB

11/25/2010 at 02:08 AM

Sorry, Tic: I stand by what I said. Janko is the exception that proves the rule in tennis. Can't think why anyone who needed corrective lenses to play sport would wear glasses. They fog up with sweat and humidity, you do not have peripheral, and the depth can be weird.

Meanwhile, my Fudge Melt-aways are chilling in the fridge, awaiting the final topping of chocolate. I'm using a combo of Lindt 50% and 70% dark chocolate. MmmMMM!

Hey, maybe JJ will surprise us all and dance her glittery way to a big win.

(yes yes I know. But dreams are free!)

Guessing Henin will be back; hopefully Azarenka will play well; Kim should be in the mix; Venus; perhaps Caroline will step up. Maybe Ana Ivanovic will be a dark horse for a good run too after her end to this year.

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 02:21 AM

Jewell Yes its kind of wide open any of those players can step up and win.

Rafa with his win over Djokovic has moved to the brink of qualification of the ATP World Tour Finals.

A victory over Berdych on Friday will gurantee Rafa a sport in the last four and he could even qualify from Group A without winning depending on the result of Djokovic's match with Andy Roddick.

"It was a very good match for me" Rafa said.

"I feel very sorry for Novak for what happend to his eye,I hope he is okay".

"I am really happy how I played because the serve worked much better,especially in the first set." reflected Rafa.

"The forehand,I plaed with less mistakes than the other day,with better rhythm.I think was a big change from the first day,the first match,between this one.That's very good news and I'm very happy for that".

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 02:58 AM

Just went over to Steve site

LOL! some fans have "rose coloured glasses on"

I think being objective as a fan is hard to do the human element comes into play I guess

I tried to be ojective I guess

Though when someone offers "constructive points" some fans take it as a personal insult.

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 03:02 AM

I am glad a few of those fans stay on Steves site they dont usually come here.

Posted by AB

11/25/2010 at 03:07 AM

AM: you really should be jealous if you have a sweet tooth. This batch is nummy. I'm about to pour the topping. Yay, chocolate!

Jewell: graham crackers are a snack cracker made from whole wheat flout and sweetened with honey or molasses. Maybe close to your digestive biscuits?

It's actually way too sweet a dessert for me, but people love to munch on them at parties. So, it's my go to contribution when I know there will be sweet lovers who are not too concerned about their weight.

On another note - Very sorry to hear about Serena. Any tendon issue is serious. It can take just as long for a strain to heal as a cut or tear. I really hope this is not a career-ending injury.

Well just looking at hight lights of the first days play at the cricket

Siddle who turned 26 today the Aussie blower had a "hat trick" of wickets today.

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 03:16 AM

oops should read "the Aussie bowler"

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 03:21 AM

Just reading some thoughts from Nole on his eye from Fox Sports news

He will get it tested out properly and hopes there is nothing more serious

He could not see and said playing with one eye.It just got worse.

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 03:23 AM

Just got some news on our TV regarding Serena she said that coming back too early from injuires in the past has cost her.She would rather have the required rest and any follow up treamtent and come back injury free.

Oh, where does the time go in the mornings? Must think about going out. See you all later. :)

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 03:33 AM

I think this is a wise decision by Serena she is 29 and things dont heal as quickly when your older especially in the under foot area as well.I know that myself from past foot problems

Posted by Ausiemarg,Madame President,Rafa London Is Calling!

11/25/2010 at 03:34 AM

Bye Jewell have a good day at work

Posted by Tic

11/25/2010 at 04:08 AM

What about a bespectacled Billie Jean King?

Posted by Tic

11/25/2010 at 04:12 AM

Or Martina Navratilova?

And these were oldfashioned heavy frames, while Tipsy can choose among many ultra-light wrap-around designs now.

Posted by jackson

11/25/2010 at 05:24 AM

AB, from your recipe your Fudge Melt-aways sound like what we in Canada call Nanaimo bars. It's an absolute favourite here and you can't ever have an array of cakes and cookies and squares for any kind of function without including some. They were one of the few sweet things my son liked so I always made two or three pans of it at Christmas. Very yummy stuff. :)

Posted by sisu

11/25/2010 at 06:13 AM

Have a wonderful day everyone whether celebrating or not! On this day of Thanksgiving, may we be inspired to continue to give the goodness that’s in our hearts. And a warm hello to Jamaica Karen wherever she is; been missing you around here.

Another great tennis day. How blessed are we?

Annie and Or it looks like you'll both get to see you favourite player. Have a safe and fun trip. Bring us back some gifts of your insights and observations. ;))

"Pride comes before pitfalls and even a defeat still holds out the possibility of redemption." I often think this after a regular season match when the loser picks him or herself up and goes to the next tournament. The strength of character and the willingness to keep putting oneself on the line is admirable. I think one of the reasons I'm drawn to tennis is this particular trait. Thanks Hannah for another great read.

Posted by sisu

11/25/2010 at 06:30 AM

Correction @6:13am - your (not you) favourite player.

Posted by @work

11/25/2010 at 07:13 AM

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it!

Good to give thanks anyway even we don't have a day for it per se :)

Reading some of the comments after I left work and I went back to the dark ages (=internet-less) I find sometimes this place gets a little bit negative with all those 'u' words as I call them, you know the d_mb, s_ck, etc., so I thought this video may lighten up the mood of those who find it difficult to see positive things in the world around us (not sure if it has been posted already but it's good for a laugh)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhUcgN2sWmk&feature=player_embedded#at=168

May I say that I just love Fed in interviews like these!
I'm not a fan of his but I think he would be a pretty cool person to know.

Posted by GB

11/25/2010 at 07:22 AM

Thanks @work, I needed that as I'm still depressed about Rafole. LOL at MAndy with the "John" answer.

Posted by @work

11/25/2010 at 07:31 AM

GB
Glad you enjoyed it and I hope things improve for Novak and his eye is Ok to play his match tomorrow. I would really like Rafa and Nole to come out of group A although I must admit I have a soft spot for both AndyR and Tomas.

Are you going to watch the matches today?
I have a feeling it's going to be a slow day here on TW today with many regulars celebrating Thanksgiving. No holiday here where I am so I'm at work and will try to follow the action.

Posted by GB

11/25/2010 at 07:42 AM

Yeah, I want Rafa and Nole to make it out of the group too. I like Berdy, but nowhere near as much as Rafole.

The matches start at 1am for me. I wanna watch Andy-Ferru (even though it makes me sad that I have to hope Ferru loses yet another match) and am now on such a weird sleep schedule that I might end up watching some of Fed-Sod.

I agree that it will be slow today, although some Fed fans might turn up.

Posted by Angel of the Surf (Flavia and Gisela YEC Doubles Champion)

11/25/2010 at 07:51 AM

GB I really want to watch Roger and Robin but I have to work tomorrow plus have had two late nights due to going out.

Posted by fedfan

11/25/2010 at 07:51 AM

Nice post. Another confirmation of my hunch that Soderling's personality is much more benign than appearances allow.

Posted by GB

11/25/2010 at 07:54 AM

It really sucks when work has to go and mess up tennis plans, Angel

Posted by Texastennis

11/25/2010 at 07:56 AM

Happy Thanksgiving everyone wherever you are.
New thread is up.
Serena is out of the AO.

I kind of hope Nadal qualifies in 2nd so we can finally get a Fedal match again. It has been way too long, especially after it seemed so certain at the USO.

Posted by mmy

11/25/2010 at 11:15 AM

Happy thanks giving and I do hope that Rafa gets through as well. I do feel sorry for David Ferrer though, I hope he wins at least a set and I do hope A-rod can win a his match with Nole. He has a better head to head against Nole.